Systems and methods for a multi-mode wireless modem

ABSTRACT

A multi-mode modem comprises a first device configured to communicate with a first communication system, a second device configured to communicate with a second communication system, a processor communicatively coupled the first and second devices, and a control function configured to place the device in one of the following communication modes:  1 ) communication with the first communication system;  2 ) communication with the second communication system;  3 ) simultaneous communication with both the first and second communication systems; or  4 ) gateway communication between the first and second communication systems.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-In-Part to U.S. Utility patentapplication Ser. No. 10/028,080, filed 12/21/2001, incorporated hereinby reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to wireless communications, butmore specifically to the configuration and operation of multi-modewireless modems in a plurality of wireless communication systems.

Consumer demand for high data rate services has helped fuel theexpansion of the wireless communication industry. In effort to keeppace, the global wireless infrastructure has become an intricatepatchwork of largely non-interoperative systems. Worse, to meet thedemand for more wireless capability, it is expected that the industrywill proliferate, not consolidate, the number of wirelesstelecommunications standards.

Currently a user wishing to gain access to multiple systems will oftencarry at least two devices, each device supporting a different system.For example, a personal computer capable of supporting a wireless modemfor Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11access must be re-equipped and re-configured with a different modem, saya Global Packet Radio System (GPRS) modem, when the user leaves the802.11 coverage area and enters a GPRS only coverage area.

Familiar wireless wide-area network (W-WAN, or simply WAN) standardssuch as GPRS offer reasonable service quality at an affordable price andhave relatively wide coverage. Unfortunately, for many high data rateapplications, existing WAN technologies are too slow and expensive. Onthe other hand, wireless local-area network (W-LAN, or simply LAN)standards such as IEEE 802.11 have proven superior for use in verylocalized data applications. Moreover, LANs are faster, cheaper, andconsume less power than their WAN counterparts. For many subscribers,especially corporate subscribers, LAN access is free—yet, for allpractical purposes, a mobile subscriber is not afforded continuous LANcoverage throughout the day. That is, LAN coverage available to asubscriber at work does not usually extend to the subscriber's home.Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide a subscriber a way toswitch systems in a more seamless fashion as he or she moves from systemto system.

The current technique for managing such switching is clumsy and requiresheavy subscriber involvement. Typically, as mentioned, the subscribermust “swap” modem devices. Further, a subscriber must also typicallyinitiate dial-up connectivity upon leaving one system and entering asecond. In many cases, multiple drivers and different software areneeded for configuration and operation of the devices. Therefore, apartfrom being cumbersome for the subscriber to manage, swapping modems isalso impractical.

Thus, the market would benefit from a single modem device systems thatpreferably conforms with a standard form factor and that comprises thetechnology required to access a plurality of communication systems. Thedesign of such a “combinational” modem device, however, raises otherconcerns. For example, regardless of the form factor, space is almostalways a concern in the design of wireless modem devices, especiallywhen more than one wireless communication technology is supported.Further, designing, certifying, and manufacturing such a combinationalmodem device would be an expensive and lengthy task. A further concernis that there are so many different types of wireless communicationsystems. To cover all the possible combinations, many differentcombinational modem devices would need to be manufactured. Manufacturinga multitude of combinational modem devices increases manufacturingcosts. Such concerns also need to be addressed in the design of acombinational, or multi-mode, modem in order for such a modem to provideconvenient, efficient access to a plurality of wireless communicationsystems at an affordable cost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To overcome the problems that result from the current mish mash ofwireless communication systems and to ensure that a subscriber hasaccess to the most convenient and optimal service at any given time, thesystems and methods described herein provide for a single combinationalmodem device that can be easily reconfigured for different technologycombinations after the manufacturing process. Thus, the systems andmethods described herein present software and hardware architecturesthat can effectively support various technology combinations, methodsfor configuring the hardware and software architectures to achieve themost optimal operation, and cost effective methods to incorporatemultiple technologies within modem devices in a manner that allows foreasy reconfiguration after the manufacturing process.

As such, there is provided a system for wireless communication thatcomprises a host device comprising a processor and a multi-mode modem.The multi-mode modem comprises a first device configured to communicatewith a first communication system, a second device configured tocommunicate with a second communication system, and an interface devicecoupled with at least one of the first and second devices. The interfacedevice is configured to interface the first and second devices with thehost processor. The system also includes a control function configuredto place the device in one of the following communication modes: 1)communication with the first communication system, 2) communication withthe second communication system, or 3) communication between the firstand second communication systems.

Other aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention willbecome apparent from the following Detailed Description of PreferredEmbodiments, when considered in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary patch work of wirelesscommunication systems;

FIG. 2 is a logical block diagram illustrating one example embodiment ofa multi-mode modem that can be used in the wireless communicationsystems of FIG. 1 in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating on example method of mode controlthat can be implemented in the multi-mode modem of FIG. 2 in accordancewith the invention;

FIG. 4 is a logical block diagram illustrating another exampleembodiment of a multi-mode modem that can be used in the wirelesscommunication systems of FIG. 1 in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 5 is a logical block diagram illustrating still another exampleembodiment of a multi-mode modem that can be used in the wirelesscommunication systems of FIG. 1 in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 6 is a logical block diagram illustrating still another exampleembodiment of a multi-mode modem that can be used in the wirelesscommunication systems of FIG. 1 in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 7 is a logical block diagram illustrating an example embodiment ofa multi-mode modem that can be implemented in a PCMIA modem card inaccordance with the invention;

FIG. 8 is a logical block diagram illustrating an example embodiment ofa multi-mode modem that can be implemented in a module for use with aPDA in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 9 is a logical block diagram illustrating an example embodiment ofa multi-mode modem that can be implemented in a Multiport card inaccordance with the invention;

FIG. 10 is a logical block diagram illustrating one example embodimentof a multi-mode modem in more detail;

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating one example embodiment of aPCMCIA—Compact Flash combination multi-mode modem in accordance with theinvention;

FIG. 12 is a logical block diagram illustrating one example embodimentof an interface device that can be used in the PCMCIA—Compact Flashcombination multi-mode modem of FIG. 11 in accordance with theinvention;

FIG. 13 is a functional diagram showing various types of datatransmission that may occur to and from a wireless gateway device inaccordance with the invention;

FIG. 14 is a functional diagram showing the types of devices that maycommunication though a wireless gateway device in accordance with theinvention; and

FIG. 15 is a representation of a gateway device architecture accordingto the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates how the coverage area for various different wirelesscommunication systems can overlap. System 102 can, for example, be a WANtype system configured for data communication such as, for example, aGlobal Packet Radio Service (GPRS) Enhanced Data-Rates for GSM Evolution(EDGE), High Speed Circuit Switched Data (HSCSD), Enhanced CircuitSwitched Data (ECSD),a 1RTT data communication system, a Wideband CodeDivision Multiple Access (WCDMA) system, a Universal MobileTelecommunication System (UMTS), a High Speed Downlink Packet Access(HSDPA) system, a High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), an EvolutionData-Voice (EV-DV) system or an Evolution Data Optimized (EV-DO) system.While systems 104 can, for example, be another type of WAN system, alsoconfigured for data or, a WAN system configured for voice communicationsuch as a GSM, IS-136, or IS-95 system. Alternatively, system 104 can,for example, be a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) such as WorldwideInteroperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) or Wireless Broadband(WiBro). Systems 108 can be smaller LAN or personal area network (PAN)systems, which will typically be configured for high speed datacommunication. In general, however, it will be understood that systems102, 104, and 106 can be any type of WAN, LAN, MAN, or PAN system.Further, as a subscriber moves through systems 102, 104, and 106 along apath such as path 108, for example, the subscriber may have serviceaccounts on some or all of the systems.

If systems 102, 104, and 106 are data communication systems, forexample, then the subscriber may be using a laptop or handheld computer,or possibly a personal digital assistant (PDA) device, with anappropriate modem card or module to access each system 102, 104, and/or106. A common type of modem card used for laptop computers is a PersonalComputer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) wireless modemcard. The subscriber simply purchases the appropriate type of PCMCIAwireless modem card, e.g., GSM, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, CDMAIxRTT or 1xEV-DO, and then installs it in an available PCMCIA slot inthe laptop. The problem, as described above, is that the subscriber mustremove the card and install another as he moves from system 102 in orderto then access system 104 (assuming the subscriber has an account onboth systems). This presents several problems briefly described above.First, the subscriber is probably not aware of the actual coverage areasof systems 102 and 104, and therefore may not be aware that he has aparticular coverage area. Second, the subscriber must carry around andkeep track of multiple cards. Third, the process of removing one cardand installing another is inconvenient, especially when the fact that anew dial up connection may need to be established each time thesubscriber wants to access a new system. The problems get worse when athird system, such as system 106, is factored in.

FIG. 2 is a logical block diagram illustrating one example embodiment ofa multi-mode modem 200 configured in accordance with the system andmethods described herein. As can be seen, multi-mode modem 200 includesa first modem device 210 and a second modem device 216. It will beunderstood that both the first and second modem devices, 210 and 216,can be any type of WAN, LAN, MAN, or PAN modem device. Further, thefirst and second modem devices, 210 and 216, can be configured for datacommunication, voice communication, or both. For the sake ofillustration, however, it will be assumed throughout the examples thatfollow that the first modem device 210 is a WAN modem device configuredfor data communication, such as a UMTS modem device, and that the secondmodem device 216 is a LAN modem device also configured for datacommunication, such as an IEEE 802.11 modem device. It should also benoted that the systems and methods described herein are not restrictedto multi-mode modems comprising only two modem devices. The number ofdevices can, in fact, be more than two in which case the systems andmethods described herein must simply be extended to cover the number ofdevices included in modem 200.

In addition to first and second modem devices, 210 and 216, multi-modemodem 200 further comprises and interface device 208 configured tointerface modem devices 210 and 216 with host processor 204 in hostdevice 202. Thus, for example, multi-mode modem 200 can be a PCMCIAmodem card and host device 202 can be a laptop computer with theappropriate PCMCIA card slot. Alternatively, host device 202 can be aPDA or some other type of portable computing device, in which casemulti-mode modem 200 is included in the appropriate type of card ormodule for use with the particular type of host device 200. Further,multi-mode modem 200 can be embedded in host device 202, in which caseinterface device 208 may not be needed. For the descriptions thatfollow, it is assumed that modem 200 is not within host device 202 and,therefore, interface device 208 is present.

As can be seen, interface device 208 communicates with first modemdevice 210 over communication interface 212, second modem device 216over communication interface 214, and host processor 204 overcommunication interface 206. Specific implementations of multi-modemodem 200 are described below, including specific configurations forthese interfaces.

Thus, to solve the problems described above, as the subscriber movesfrom system 104 to system 106 for example, multi-mode modem 200 can beconfigured to automatically switch from first modem device 210 to secondmodem device 216. In order to effectively integrate multiple modemdevices, such as devices 210 and 216, into a multi-mode modem 200,however, several issues must be effectively overcome. First, a costeffective and efficient method for integrating multiple modem devicesshould be developed. Size and cost are ubiquitous concerns when it comesto the design of modem cards and modules. Integrating multiple modemdevices into one modem only exacerbates these concerns. Therefore, acost-effective method of integration that conserves space within modem200 is an important aspect in the design of any multimode modem 200.Second, efficient hardware and software architectures should be used.Third, the most effective means of configure multi-mode modem 200 forvarious operating modes should be developed.

One example of a cost efficient method for integrating multiple modemdevices 210 and 216 into a multi-mode modem 200 is described below. Inaddition, while, FIG. 2 illustrates one example of a high level hardwarearchitecture for a multi-mode modem 200. Other alternative embodimentsare described below, as are lower level hardware implementations. Thesoftware architecture will be described next in the context ofconfiguring multi-mode modem 200 for various operational modes.

In a multi-mode modem 200 that incorporates two modem devices 210 and216 there are 4 possible operation modes. Assuming modem device 210 is aWAN modem device and modem device 216 is a LAN modem device, then thepossible modes are:

-   -   1) WAN mode in which modem device 210 is enabled;    -   2) LAN mode in which modem device 216 is enabled;    -   3) LAN-WAN simultaneous mode in which modem devices 210 and 216        are both enabled; and    -   4) LAN-WAN gateway mode in which modem 200 is configured to act        as a gateway between the WAN and the LAN.

In order to effectively implement each of these modes on one multi-modemodem 200, a control function is required to control the operation ofmodem devices 210 and 216. Preferably, such a control function isimplemented in software. For example, FIG. 3 is a flow diagramillustrating mode selection between a LAN mode and a WAN mode, where themode selection is controlled by host processor 204 running softwareresident on host device 202. As such, host device 200 includes a memory(not shown) in which the software instructions accessed by processor 204to implement the control function are stored.

In step 302, LAN modem device 210 is enabled and host controller 204interrogates LAN modem device 216 to determine, among possibly otherstatus information, if LAN coverage is available. If LAN coverage isavailable, step 304, then multi-mode modem 200 establishes a connectionwith a LAN access point compatible with LAN modem device 216 in step306. If no LAN coverage is available, step 304, then in process block308, host processor 204 commands LAN modem device 216 to switchinterface 208 to WAN mode. Switching interface 208 is dependent on theimplementation of interface 208. Specific implementations of interface208 are described below. In step 310, LAN modem device 216 switchesinterface 208 to WAN mode. Both of steps 308 and 310 are for anembodiment of multi-mode modem 200 having a multiplexer (describedbelow) as a component of interface 208, and are therefore optional stepsas diagrammed by the dashed borders in FIG. 3.

Now, in step 312, WAN modem device 216 is amended and host processor 204interrogates WAN modem device 210 to determine, among possibly otherstatus information, if WAN coverage is available. If WAN coverage isavailable, step 314, then multi-mode modem 200 establishes a connectionwith a WAN base station compatible with WAN modem device 210, step 316.If no WAN coverage is available, step 314, then in step 318 WAN modemdevice 210 initiates a search for WAN coverage until WAN coverage isfound, step 320, or the search times out, step 322. If searching for WANcoverage has not timed out and WAN coverage is finally found, step 320,then host processor 204 commands WAN modem device 210 to establish aconnection with a WAN base station, step 316. If no WAN coverage isfound and the searching period has timed out, host interface processor204 commands WAN modem device 210 to switch interface 208 to LAN mode instep 324. In step 326, WAN modem device 210 switches interface 208 toLAN mode and the process reverts to step 302. Both of steps 324 and 326are for an embodiment of multi-mode modem 200 having a multiplexer(described below) as a component of interface 208, and are thereforeoptional steps as diagrammed by the dashed borders in FIG. 3.

If on the other hand, the control function is going to place modem 200in LAN-WAN simultaneous or gateway mode, then after a LAN connection isestablished in step 308, for example, processor 204 can instruct WANmodem device 210 to establish a WAN connection in step 316. Once bothconnections are established, either simultaneous communication orgateway communication can occur. Further, processor 204, or the controlfunction being executed, can acquire status information from bothdevices 210 and 216 simultaneously. This can be accomplished in severalways. For example, one way is to have both modem devices 210 and 216simultaneously enabled and reporting status to processor 204. Processor204 can then determine what connections to make based on the reportedinformation. Alternatively, one of the devices 210 and 216 can beenabled, with or without a connection and processor 204 can periodicallycause the other device to be enabled and to report status information.Processor 204 can then make connection determinations based on thereported information.

The control function (CF) does not need to be executed on host processor204. For example, FIG. 4 represents an architectural embodiment havingat least part of control function (CF) resident within interface 40&. Inthis embodiment, mode control and configuration of multi-mode modem 400is implemented within an existing chip as part of interface 408, orwithin a separate chip (not shown). FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 represent twoother architectural embodiments where control function (CF) is residentwithin WAN modem device 510 (FIG. 5) and LAN modem device 616 (FIG. 6)respectively. In these two embodiments, control function (CF) resideswithin the baseband processing sections of the respective modemcontrollers 510 and 616. For example, mode control functionality can beincluded in an ARM7 or an ARM9 processor within WAN or LAN modem devices510 and 616. In these embodiments, an additional bus 560 and 660 ispreferably included to link WAN modem device 510 with LAN modem device516 and to link LAN modem device 616 with WAN modem device 610. Buses560 and 660 allow the control function (CF) to more efficiently querythe opposite modem device and to pass instructions thereto.

Several specific implementations will now be described, beginning withthe PCMCIA card implementation illustrated in FIG. 7. In FIG. 7,multi-mode modem 700 includes an interface device 708 configured tointerface modem 700 with host processor 704 in host device 702. Becausemodem 700 is included in a PCMCIA card, interface 706 between interfacedevice 708 and host processor 704 is necessarily a PCMCIA interface.Once the PCMCIA signals are received from interface 706, device 708 isconfigured to convert them into the appropriate format for communicationwith modem devices 710 and 716, which are again assumed to be a WAN andLAN device, respectively. The appropriate communication format for modemdevices 710 and 716 will depend on the particular basebandimplementations included therein. In the specific implementation of FIG.7, it is assumed that the baseband section of WAN modem device 710comprises a Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (UART) 732 forcommunication over interface 712 and that the baseband section of LANmodem device 716 comprises a Universal Serial Bus (USB) controller 734for communicating over interface 714. Other baseband implementationsare, of course, possible; however, many conventional WAN modem devicesinclude a UART 732 and many conventional LAN modem devices include a USBcontroller 732. Therefore, for this, and the example implementationsthat follow, such implementations will be assumed. But the exampleimplementations described herein are for illustration only and shouldnot be seen as limiting the systems and methods described herein to anyparticular implementation or implementations.

Therefore, interface device 708 must convert the PCMCIA signals receivedfrom interface 706 into UART signals and USB signals for communicationwith modem devices 710 and 716 respectively. One way to do this, asillustrated in FIG. 7, is to include a USB host 736 in device 708configured to convert the PCMCIA signals to USB signals, which are thensent to HUB interface 722. HUB interface 722 can then send the signalsintended for modem device 716 directly to USB controller 734 overinterface 714. The signals intended for modem device 710, however, canbe sent to a bridge circuit 724 configured to convert the USB signals toUART signals that can be sent to UART 732 over interface 712.

Signals from LAN modem device 716 are sent to HUB interface 722, whichforwards them to USB host 736 so that they can be converted to PCMCIAsignals and sent to host processor 704. Signals from WAN modem device710 are first sent to bridge circuit 724, which converts them to USBsignals and sends them to HUB interface 722. HUB interface 722 againforwards the USB signals to USB host 736 for conversion to PCMCIAsignals. Thus, USB host 736 and HUB 722 preferably control the flow ofsignals to and from modem devices 710 and 716, eliminating the need forbulky interface switching mechanisms.

Preferably, interface device 708 actually comprises two integratedcircuit chips: one comprising bridge circuit 724, and one applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC) comprising HUB interface 722, USBhost 736, and PCMIA interface 720. Alternatively; all of the circuitscan be included in a single ASIC, or some or all of the circuits can beincluded as separate components depending on the implementation.Further, in the implementation of FIG. 7, host processor 704 is able tocommunicate directly with WAN modem device 710 and LAN modem device 716without the need for bulky interface switching mechanisms. As such,optional steps 308, 310, 324, and 326 in FIG. 3 are not required forPCMCIA multi-mode modem 700. Therefore, such a PCMCIA cardimplementation is preferable, because it reduces the signalingcomplexity and eliminates any bulky switching circuits.

In certain implementations, such as PDA implementations for example,switching mechanisms may be unavoidable. Thus, FIG. 8 illustrates anexample embodiment of a multi-mode modem 800 for use in conjunction witha PDA host device 802, which includes PDA host processor 804. As willoften be the case, PDA host processor 804 comprises a UART (not shown)for communicating with modem 800 over interface 806. Thus, PDA hostprocessor 804 will be able to communicate directly with UART 832 in WANmodem device 810 over interface 812. To communicate with LAN modemdevice 816, however, interface device 808 preferably includes bridgecircuit 824 configured to convert UART signals to USB signals and viceversa. The USB signals can then be sent to USB controller 834 overinterface 814.

Unlike modem 700, however, some switching mechanism for controlling theflow of signals to and from modem device 810 and 816 should be includedin interface device 808. Thus, in this particular example, interfacedevice 808 comprises Multiplexer (MUX) 818, which is controlled by modemdevices 810 and 816. It should be noted that MUX 818 could be controlledby PDA host processor 804, but this would require that interface 806 bemodified to include the appropriate control line(s) and that thesoftware being executed by processor 804 be modified to include acontrol routine. The typical multi-mode modem manufacturer may not beable to effect such changes and there may not be a way to ensure thatall PDA manufacturers implement the changes in a uniform manner.Therefore, the implementation illustrated in FIG. 8 may be preferable.It should also be noted, however, that as PDA devices begin toincorporate USB support, the implementation of FIG. 7 can be used inconnection therewith, thus eliminating the need for MUX 818 andflip-flop 822.

J-K flip-flop 822 can be included in interface device 808 to allow modemdevices 810 and 816 to control MUX 818 via control lines 836, 838, and820. For this implementation, optional steps 308, 310, 324, and 326 inFIG. 3 are required. Thus, when the processor 804 instructs LAN modemdevice 816 to switch the interface to WAN mode (step 308), LAN modemdevice 816 can toggle control line 838, causing the output 820 offlip-flop 822 to transition and thereby cause the MUX output to switchfrom interface 830 to interface 812 (step 310). Similarly, whenprocessor 804 instructs WAN modem device 810 to switch the interface toLAN mode (step 324), WAN modem device -810 can toggle control line 836,causing the output 820 of flip-flop 822 to transition and thereby causethe MUX output to switch from interface 812 to interface 830 (step 326).

Preferably, some or all of the components included in interface device808 can be integrated into a single ASIC. Alternatively, some or all ofthe components that comprise interface device 808 can be included inseparate devices. The requirements of the particular implementation willtypically determine what level of integration is required.

FIG. 9 illustrates another example embodiment of a multi-mode modem 900that implements Compaq's Multiport standard. In this case, host device902 will be a personal or laptop computer that includes a Multiportslot. As such, host processor 904 will include a USB controller 918.Therefore, interface device 908 can simply include HUB interface 920,which will operate similarly to HUB device 722, and bridge circuit 924,which will operate similarly to bridge circuit 724. Thus, interfacedevice 908, which can comprise a single ASIC or multiple chips, will beeven more compact and less costly than interface device 708. Although,the Multiport standard is probably less universal than the PCMCIAstandard.

FIG. 10 is an exemplary high-level architectural block diagram showingthe components of a multi-mode modem 1000 and host 1002 in greaterdetail. Multi-mode modem 1000 comprises WAN modem device 1010, LAN modemdevice 1012, interface device 1008, and connector 1020. WAN modem device1010 further includes WAN RF section 1028 and WAN baseband section 1030.Similarly, LAN modem device 1011 further includes LAN RF section 1022and LAN baseband section 1026. WAN RF section 1028 is responsible formixing a message data stream with a carrier signal for transmission overa WAN air interface. Similarly LAN RF section 1022 is responsible formixing a message data stream with a carrier signal for transmission overa LAN air interface. WAN baseband section 1030 and LAN baseband section1026 comprise WAN modem controller 1032 and LAN modem controller 1024respectively for facilitating mode selection and interfacing withinterface device 1008.

Host device 1002 can comprise power source 1014, memory 1018, userinterface 1016, and host processor 1004. Power source 1014 providespower to components of both host device 1002 and multi-mode modem 1000.Memory 1018 can be a RAM, ROM or other shared memory device accessibleand addressable by host processor 1004 for storing command and controlinstructions to be executed by processor 1004 in order to control theoperation of multi-mode modem 1000. User interface 1016 interfaces withhost processor 1004 for sending and receiving messages between thesubscriber and multi-mode modem 1000, such as status and error messages.Multi-mode modem 1000 can be implemented using a number of common formfactors, including an external device arrangement whereby host bus 1006would comprise a serial bus cable, such as a USB cable, for cablingexternal multi-mode modem 1000 to host 1002. FIGS. 7-9 depict such anexternal modem arrangement for ease of illustration. However, aninternal device arrangement is also possible whereby host bus 1006 couldbecome, for example, a hard-wired bus embedded on a mainboard orexpansion printed circuit board (PCB) of host 1002.

Where the control function (CF) is implemented in either WAN modemdevice 1010 or LAN modem device 1012, WAN modem controller 1032 and LANmodem controller 1024 respectively, will need to be configured in such amanner as to carry out the mode control steps as described above. Also,as described, an additional bus linking the two may be included tofacilitate more efficient operation. If the control function isimplemented in interface device 1008, then device 1008 may need toinclude a memory to store the appropriate instructions and a processorconfigured to implement the instructions.

Thus, various hardware and software implementations have been described,at various levels of abstraction, configured to carry out mode controlin accordance with the methods described herein. As mentioned, however,a cost effective approach to integrating multiple modem devices into asingle card or modem is also desirable, because it can allow multi-modemodem manufacturers to reduce costs. Further, the method of integrationshould allow a single multi-mode modem to be produced that can bereconfigured after the manufacturing process for different modemcombinations. One way to do this is to use software defined radios. Atpresent, however, this may not be feasible. An alternative method isillustrated in FIG. 11.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a PC Card 1100 having Compact Flashcard module 1102, and Compact Flash card socket 1104. PC Card 1100 isdesigned for insertion into a PC Card slot of a portable communicationdevice such as a laptop or palmtop computer. For example, many portablecomputers ship with a Type II PC Card slot for expanding the computer'sfunctionality, as in allowing memory expansion modules to be inserted,complementing the primary storage capacity of the computer.

Using this form factor, a primary PC Card function and a secondaryCompact Flash card function can cooperate within one PC Card slot. Up tofifty percent of the available space occupied by PC Card 1100 is usedfor the Compact Flash card 1102, leaving approximately fifty percent ofthe space for implementation of the primary function circuitry.Additional space may be possible by allowing the Compact Flash to extendpast the outside edge of PC Card 1100. Implementing a multi-mode modemin such a PC Card embodiment would permit greater user flexibility andease of configuration than other form factor embodiments due toautomatic slot configuration and other capabilities of the PC Cardstandard.

Any of the multi-mode embodiments previously described having dual modemcontrollers could be easily implemented in PC Card 1100. Compact flashsocket 1104 could contain circuitry including a WAN modem device, whileCompact Flash module 1102 could contain circuitry that includes LANmodem device or vise versa.

One embodiment of PC Card 1100 can enable internetwork handoff,particularly LAN-WAN, LAN-MAN, PAN-MAN, MAN-WAN or PAN-WAN handoff. Inthis embodiment, the primary function would implement a core wirelesstechnology, for instance a WAN technology such as GSM, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS,HSDPA, HSUPA, CDMA IxRTT, or 1xEV-DO. Dual modem capability could thenbe enabled by implementing one or more Compact Flash modules with localor personal network technology such as IEEE 802.11 LAN or Bluetooth™PAN.

In another embodiment, PC Card 1100 is used to combine a WAN modem withglobal positioning system (GPS) functionality. In this embodiment, theprimary function implemented in Compact Flash socket 1104 would be a WANtechnology such as GSM, GPRS′ EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, CDMA IxRTT, or1xEV-DO for communication services, while the secondary functionimplemented in Compact Flash module 1102 would be a location servicesuch as GPS for pinpointing the location of the wireless host housing PCCard 1100.

In addition to GPS Compact Flash modules and IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth™,and other types of LAN/PAN Compact Flash modules, there are severalother types of Compact Flash modules that can be implemented in CompactFlash module 1102. For example, there are Ethernet LAN modules, standard56 k modem modules, and bar code scanner modules. Further, many moretypes of modules will undoubtedly be developed in the future that willbe capable of implementation in Compact Flash module 1102. It should benoted that in the case of bar scanner modules, for example, the moduledoes not communicate with a communication system per say. But for thisspecification and the claims that follow, the bar code, the data that itcomprises, and the physical connection, which in the case of a bar codescanner is typically an optical connection, can be said to comprise acommunication system. Thus, it can generally be said, by similarlydefining communication system for other types of modules that do notcommunicate with a communication system per say, that Compact Flashmodule 1102 always comprises a device configured to communicate with acommunication system.

Mode switching between the devices of Compact Flash module 1102 andCompact Flash socket 1104 can be accomplished by a software or firmwaredriver that expands and complements the functionality of the existing PCCard driver interface. For example, a driver to implement mode selectionand control in PC Card 1100 would be written to accomplish such tasks asbus arbitration, memory storage and retrieval, status and messagecoding/decoding, power usage, interrogation, and signaling. A modeswitching driver also would perform and understand any required bridgingand multiplexing functionality. Memory for storing a software drivercould be borrowed from the host device or included in PC Card socket1104 or as part of Compact Flash card module 1102.

Several additional advantages accrue from the PC Card 1100 form factorembodiment. First, combining existing technologies, i.e., and existing,standardized form factor, to implement a multi-mode modem improvesoverall product life cycle efficiency by side-stepping the introductionof a novel form factor. Second, PC Card technology is reliable, havingbeen in the marketplace for a number of years. Third, certification andapproval by the various government-sponsored regulatory bodies is easierbecause PC Card and Compact Flash technologies are known, helping tofocus testing to an isolated and identifiable feature set. Fourth, itallows the manufacturer to produce a single, or a minimum number of, PCcard product(s). The single PC card product will incorporate the primaryfunctionality such as a WAN modem device. Various technologycombinations can then be produced by installing the appropriate CompactFlash module. Thus, manufacturing process and costs can be streamlined,while still providing the benefit of multiple multi-mode modecombinations.

Furthermore, for supporting audio and voice applications, PC Card 1100can be equipped with a headphone or earphone jack. Other usefulcomponents to PC Card 1100 include an antenna (not shown) attached to,and possibly shared by a LAN modem RF section and a WAN modem RF sectionas well as one or more LED's (not shown) for indicating status and callprocessing.

In order to implement mode control as described above, PC Card socket1104 preferably includes an interface device configured to perform thesignal conversion, routing, and switching that may be required. FIG. 10illustrates a one example embodiment of such an interface device 1202.In one configuration, In the example illustrated in FIG. 12, it isassumed that PC Card socket 1104 comprises a WAN modem device and thatPC Card 1102 includes a LAN modem device. This is for illustration only,however, and is not intended to limit PC Card 1100 to any particularconfiguration.

As such, interface device 1202 includes a PC card host interface 1204, aWAN interface 1228 and a LAN, or CF socket interface, 1220. As can beseen, host interface 1204 can include address and data lines 1206 and1208, respectively. WAN interface 1228 can include serial 1212, and CFsocket interface 1220 can include address and data lines 2116 and 1218,respectively.

In one embodiment, interface device 1202 communicates serially overserial/USB bus 1212 with WAN modem device 1224 having antenna 1226.However, interface device 1202 interface to WAN modem device 1224 canalso be configured according to other communication standards andprotocols such as peripheral component interconnect (PCI) or the 16550serial standard. Serial/USB bus 1212 may also require bridging,depending on the capabilities of WAN modem device 1224 and interfacedevice 1202. For application supporting voice communication, PC Card1100 can provide pulse code modulation (PCM) over voice bus 1214 to WANmodem 1224.

Preferably, CF socket interface 1220 is interrupt driven, as indicatedby interrupt control line 1222. Interface device 1202 responds to CFsocket interface 1220 when Compact Flash card 1102 issues an interruptrequest. If the control function (CF) resides with interface device1202, then interface device 1202 would monitor common resources likeinterrupt handling and other bus arbitration tasks. Interface device1202 also supports a PC Card host interface 1204 with a host device. Thehost device in this instance would be a computer having a Type II PCCard slot into which PC Card 1100 is inserted. PC Card host interface1204 comprises address bus 1206 and data bus 1208 for accessing CFsocket data. PC Card host interface 1204 is also preferablyinterrupt-driven as indicated by interrupt control line 1210. PC Cardinterface 1204 responds to interface device 1202 when CF socketinterface 1220 issues an interrupt request. Therefore, interface device1202 preferably acts as a bus pass-through that provides a PC Card toCompact Flash conversion.

Thus, the PC Card form factor would satisfy the development of acombination modem having a GSM, GPRS EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, CDMAIxRTT, or 1xEV-DO modem core deployed in card socket 1104, and an 802.11card as the LAN modem deployed in Compact Flash module 1102. In similarfashion, the a CDMA modem core could replace the GSM, GPRS EDGE, UMTS,HSDPA, HSUPA, CDMA IxRTT, or 1xEV-DO modem core. In still otherembodiments, an emerging array of products, e.g., from SocketCommunications, Inc. and others, have hit the market that would besuitable for implementation in PC Card 1100. For example, the Bluetooth™Card Compact Flash and the In-Hand Scan Card™ for hand-held scanning,both from Socket Communications Inc., are possible combinationtechnologies.

FIGS. 13-15 illustrate a residential gateway device embodimentconfigured in accordance with the system and methods described herein. Aresidential gateway device according to the present invention can beplaced at a center of convergence among WAN/LAN networks, WAN/PANnetworks, MAN/WAN networks, MAN/LAN networks, MAN/PAN networks, LAN/PANnetworks, one or more WAN networks, one or more PAN networks, one ormore MAN networks, one or more LAN networks, voice/data transfersystems, and VoIP/Voice Over CS systems. In various embodiments of theinvention, such a device can support 802.11 LAN, Bluetooth pan-accessnetworks (PANs) and/or Ultrawideband PAN/LAN. In this arrangement, datapackets can be routed between the WAN/LAN networks and the WAN network,as well as any other combination of networks.

A gateway device of the present invention can be configured to support awide variety of interface mechanisms. For example, the device can beconfigured to support multiple Ethernet ports for connecting to desktopcomputers. In addition, the device can support USB ports for connectionsto devices such as computer printers. Still further, other devices suchas cordless telephones using Bluetooth or IEEE 802 technology, wirelesscameras, or any other wireless sensor can be operatively connected tothe gateway device in various embodiments of the present invention. Whenthe gateway device of various embodiments of the present invention is ina “router” mode, it is capable of routing voice, video, and multimediacontent back and forth among all of the devices discussed herein and theInternet over a WAN or other link.

FIG. 13 is a functional diagram showing several types of transmissionmodes that can be used to transmit data and content through a gatewaydevice 1300 with a controller of the present invention. It should benoted, however, that the present invention is not intended to be limitedto the types of transmission modes that are depicted in FIG. 1. Withinthe local area side 1310 of the gateway device, transmission modes suchas 802.11 a, b and g; Bluetooth, and ultra-wideband transmissionmechanisms may be used for communication between the gateway device 1300and various fixed and nonfixed devices. On the wide area side 1320,transmission modes such as UMTS/HSDPA; DO/Rev. A, DSL, WiMax, andFlarion may be used to provide communication between the gateway device1300 and the Internet 1330.

FIG. 14 is a functional diagram showing various wireless and wireddevices that can communicate through a gateway device 1300 of thepresent invention. It should be understood, however, that the devicesshown in FIG. 13 are only exemplary in nature, and wide variety ofdevices not shown in FIG. 13 could also be used. As shown in FIG. 13, aplurality of 802.11 enabled laptop computers 1400 located within awireless local area network can communicate with the gateway device 1300through a 802.11 b/g connection. Video devices, such as videosurveillance equipment 1405, can use 802.11 or Bluetooth technology totransmit data to and from the gateway device. Similar transmissionmechanisms can also be used with cordless telephony 1410, which can beused for VoIP transmission. In addition to wireless devices, a varietyof wired devices can also communicate with the gateway device 1300. Forexample, a printer 1415 can be connected to the gateway device 1300through a USB connection. An analog fax machine 1420 can also beconnected to the gateway device 1300 through a RJ11 connection. Inaddition, an Ethernet LAN connection can be used to connect the gatewaydevice 1300 to one or more desktop computers 1425. Still further, anRJ11 connection can exist with an analog voice telephone 1430, which iscapable of VoIP transmission when integrated with the system. VoIP isalso capable using video telephony equipment 1435 when operativelyconnected to the gateway device 1300. All of these devices are thereforeof transmitting through the gateway device 1300 to the wide area network1320 using HSDPA, UMTS/GSM, 3G technology, etc.

FIG. 15 is a representation showing the architecture of a gateway device1300 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The gatewaydevice 1300 of FIG. 15 includes a WAN module 1500 through which WANactivity occurs, as well as a LAN module 1510 for LAN activity. Thegateway device 1300 can also include a fax module 1520 for providing acommunication pathway for the analog fax machine 1420 of FIG. 14. Inaddition, the gateway device can include a voice module 1530 forproviding a VoIP pathway. A router or gateway 1540 is included forrouting data or content to and from the appropriate location(s). Thegateway device also includes a power module 1550 for powering thedevice, as well as one or more interface modules 1560 for interfacingwith the various local and wide area network devices in communicationwith the gateway device 1300. The gateway device 1300 also includes aprocessor 1570 and a memory 1580, both of which can be incorporated intoother components such as the router or gateway 1540.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the gateway device 1300 iscapable of supporting both VoIP technology, conventional circuitswitched wired voice technology and/or circuit switched cellulartechnology. In this embodiment, voice traffic is capable of routed overa particular system based upon factors such as system QoS or userpreferences.

Therefore, by incorporating the systems and methods described above,several existing problems are overcome allowing a subscriber to haveaccess to the most convenient and optimal service at any given time,using a single combinational modem device that can be easilyreconfigured for different technology combinations after themanufacturing process. Such advancement is provided using the systemsand methods described herein, which present software and hardwarearchitectures that can effectively support various technologycombinations, methods for configuring the hardware and softwarearchitectures to achieve the most optimal operation, and cost effectivemethods to incorporate multiple technologies within modem devices in amanner that allows for easy reconfiguration after the manufacturingprocess.

While embodiments and implementations of the invention have been shownand described, it should be apparent that many more embodiments andimplementations are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, theinvention is not to be restricted, except in light of the claims andtheir equivalents.

1. A wireless gateway device, comprising: a first device configured tocommunicate with a first wireless communication system; a second deviceconfigured to communicate with a second wireless communication system; acontroller communicatively coupled with the first device and seconddevice and configured to route data received by the first device fromthe first wireless communication system through the second device to thesecond wireless communication and to route date received by the secondwireless communication system through the first device to the firstwireless communication system.
 2. The wireless gateway device of claim1, wherein the first device is a LAN device, the first wirelesscommunication system is a wireless local area network, the second deviceis a WAN device, and the second wireless communication system is awireless wide area network.
 3. The wireless gateway device of claim 1,wherein the first device is a PAN device, the first wirelesscommunication system is a wireless personal area network, the seconddevice is a WAN device and the second wireless communication system is awireless wide area network.
 4. The wireless gateway device of claim 1,wherein the first device is a PAN device, the first wirelesscommunication system is a wireless personal area network, the seconddevice is a LAN device and the second wireless communication system is awireless local area network.
 5. The wireless gateway device of claim 1,wherein the first device is a LAN device, the first wirelesscommunication system is a wireless local area network, the second deviceis a MAN device, and the second wireless communication system is awireless metropolitan area network.
 6. The wireless gateway device ofclaim 1, wherein the first device is a PAN device, the first wirelesscommunication system is a wireless personal area network, the seconddevice is a MAN device, and the second wireless communication system isa wireless metropolitan area network.
 7. The wireless gateway device ofclaim 1, wherein the first device is a WAN device, the first wirelesscommunication system is a wireless wide area network, the second deviceis a MAN device, and the second wireless communication system is awireless metropolitan area network.
 8. The wireless gateway device ofclaim 1, further comprising an interface device for connecting at leastone wired device to the wireless gateway device such that data from theat least one wired device can be routed to at least one of the firstwireless communication system or second wireless communication system.9. The wireless gateway device of claim 1, further comprising a voicemodule for providing a voice-over-IP input for connecting avoice-over-IP device the wireless gateway such that voice-over-IP datacan be routed to at least one of the first wireless communication systemor second wireless communication system.
 10. The wireless gateway deviceof claim 1, further comprising a fax module for providing a fax inputfor connecting a fax device to the wireless gateway such that fax datacan be routed to at least one of the first wireless communication systemor second wireless communication system.
 11. An embedded multi-modemodem configured for connecting to a host device having a processor, themodem comprising: a first device configured to communicate with a firstwireless communication system; a second device configured to communicatewith a second wireless communication system; an interface device coupledwith the first and second devices, the interface device configured tointerface the first and second devices with the host processor; and acontrol function configured to place the modem in one of the followingcommunication modes: communication with the first communication system,communication with the second communication system, simultaneouscommunication with both the first and second communication systems, orgateway communication with both the first and second communicationsystems.
 12. The embedded of claim 11, wherein the first device is a LANdevice, the first wireless communication system is a wireless local areanetwork, the second device is a WAN device, and the second wirelesscommunication system is a wireless wide area network.
 13. The embeddedmodem of claim 11, wherein the first device is a PAN device, the firstwireless communication system is a wireless personal area network, thesecond device is a WAN device and the second wireless communicationsystem is a wireless wide area network.
 14. The embedded modem of claim11, wherein the first device is a PAN device, the first wirelesscommunication system is a wireless personal area network, the seconddevice is a LAN device and the second wireless communication system is awireless local area network.
 15. The embedded modem of claim 11, whereinthe first device is a LAN device, the first wireless communicationsystem is a wireless local area network, the second device is a MANdevice, and the second wireless communication system is a wirelessmetropolitan area network.
 16. The embedded modem of claim 11, whereinthe first device is a PAN device, the first wireless communicationsystem is a wireless personal area network, the second device is a MANdevice, and the second wireless communication system is a wirelessmetropolitan area network.
 17. The embedded modem of claim 11, whereinthe first device is a WAN device, the first wireless communicationsystem is a wireless wide area network, the second device is a MANdevice, and the second wireless communication system is a wirelessmetropolitan area network.
 18. The embedded modem of claim 11, whereinthe host device further comprises a laptop computer.
 19. The embeddedmodem of claim 11, wherein the host device further comprises a mobileelectronic device.
 20. The embedded modem of claim 11, wherein the firstdevice comprises a first RF section and a first baseband section, thesecond device comprises a second RF section and a second basebandsection, and either the first baseband section or second basebandsection comprises the control function.